When to plant anise in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant anise shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams — below are local dates for 89 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 7a | April 4 | November 9 | April 4 – April 18 |
| Worcester | 6a | April 23 | October 21 | April 23 – May 7 |
| Springfield | 6a | May 3 | October 8 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Cambridge | 6b | April 19 | October 23 | April 19 – May 3 |
| Lowell | 6b | April 30 | October 10 | April 30 – May 14 |
| Brockton | 6b | April 22 | October 19 | April 22 – May 6 |
| Quincy | 7a | April 25 | October 22 | April 25 – May 9 |
| Lynn | 7a | April 25 | October 20 | April 25 – May 9 |
Anise in Massachusetts: FAQ
When can I plant anise in Massachusetts?
Across Massachusetts, the time to direct-sow anise spans roughly April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the anise planting date vary across Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts publishes 89 cities with their own frost dates, so the right anise planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does anise take to grow in Massachusetts?
Anise takes about 100–120 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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